How to Get Customers for a New Business: A Proven Guide

Getting your first customers comes down to two things: knowing exactly who you're selling to and creating a professional online home where they can find you. It’s about digging into your ideal customer's specific problems and then building a simple, trustworthy website that perfectly positions you as the solution.

Build a Foundation That Actually Attracts Customers

Before you spend a dollar on marketing, you have to lay the groundwork. Trying to get customers without a clear picture of who they are or a credible online presence is like shouting into the wind—a waste of time and energy.

The goal here isn't a complex marketing scheme. It’s about clarity and credibility. When people find you, they need to instantly understand what you do and trust that you can deliver. It all starts when you stop thinking in general terms and get laser-focused on the people you want to help.

Pinpoint Your Ideal Customer's Real Problem

Many new business owners try to be everything to everyone. The result? Vague messaging that connects with no one. You have to find your niche. Who is the one person who will get the most value out of what you offer?

Put yourself in their shoes and ask specific questions:

• Actionable Tip: What's the single biggest frustration they have that you can solve?
• What solutions have they already tried that failed them?
• In a perfect world, what would a solution look like to them?

Think about it this way: a freelance graphic designer isn't just selling logos. They're solving a problem for a new bakery owner who is embarrassed by her DIY branding and worries it’s scaring away customers. The real problem isn't the lack of a logo—it's the lack of confidence and lost business. Once you understand that deeper pain point, your entire approach shifts. Figuring out how to create a brand is the perfect place to start.

Key Takeaway: You're not just selling a product or service; you're selling a solution to a specific problem. When you can define that problem with crystal clarity, finding and talking to your customers gets much easier.

Create Your Digital Storefront

Your website is your new storefront, even if you have a physical location. It’s the first place people go to see if you’re legitimate, understand what you do, and decide if they want to stick around. A confusing or unprofessional site is a huge red flag— 75% of consumers admit they judge a company’s credibility based on its website design.

This is where a tool like the Solo AI Website Creator is a game-changer. You can get a clean, professional site up in minutes without any coding. Just focus on a few critical things to build trust and get people to take action.

• Clear and Simple Messaging: The second someone lands on your homepage, they should know: What do you offer? Who is it for? And how do they get it? Avoid jargon and use plain English that speaks directly to the problems you just defined.
• Easy Navigation: People should find what they need—your services, contact info, pricing—in a click or two. A clunky menu will cause visitors to leave.
• Contact Info Front and Center: Make it ridiculously easy for people to reach you. Put your phone number, email, or a simple contact form where they can’t miss it.

This process—defining your audience, building your online home, and then attracting customers—is sequential for a reason. You can’t jump to the "attract" phase until the foundation is solid.

A huge part of attracting people online is understanding Search Engine Optimization (SEO). In simple terms, SEO is the process of making your website more visible on search engines like Google. For a deeper dive, this is a great resource explaining What Is Search Engine Optimization Explained.

Winning Local Customers with Foundational SEO

So, you've built your website. That's a huge step. But a website without visitors is like a storefront on a deserted street. You need to get people to find you, and that's where SEO comes in.

Don't let the term intimidate you. At its core, SEO is just about making your website speak Google's language so it can introduce you to the right people—specifically, people who are already looking for what you sell.

For a new business, this isn't about competing with Amazon or Walmart. It's about winning in your own backyard. Local SEO is your secret weapon. It ensures that when someone in your town searches for "best coffee shop near me" or "emergency plumber in Springfield," your business pops up. It's incredibly powerful because these people are ready to buy. They need you, and they need you now.

Master Your Google Business Profile

Before you tweak a single word on your website, your first move is to claim and complete your Google Business Profile (GBP). This is the free listing that appears in Google Maps and the "Local Pack" box in search results. It’s often the very first interaction a potential customer will have with your business online.

Think of your GBP as your digital handshake. It gives searchers the critical info they need at a glance. An incomplete profile is a huge missed opportunity; customers are 2.7 times more likely to view a business with a complete profile as reputable.

Treat it like a mini-website. Don't just fill out the basics.

• Actionable Tip: Complete every single section: name, address, phone, hours, and website. No blanks!
• Pick the Right Categories: Be specific. You're not just a "Restaurant," you're an "Italian Restaurant" or a "Vegan Cafe."
• Upload Great Photos: Show off your products, the inside and outside of your space, and your team.
• Turn on Messaging: Let people send you a quick question directly from your profile. It removes a step for potential customers.

For a deeper dive, these Google Business Profile tips will walk you through getting the most value from your listing.

Weave Keywords into Your Website Content

Keywords are simply the words and phrases people type into Google. To get found, you need to use these terms naturally on your website—especially on the site you just built with the Solo AI Website Creator.

Put yourself in your customer's shoes. What would they actually search for? A local baker isn't just hoping to show up for "bakery." They're targeting phrases people really use, like:

• "custom birthday cakes in Austin"
• "bakery with gluten-free options"
• "fresh sourdough bread near me"

Once you have a list, gently add them to important parts of your website. This means your page titles, headings, and service descriptions. The idea is to make it clear to both people and search engines what each page is about.

Pro Tip: Never "stuff" keywords where they sound unnatural. Write for humans first. Google is smart enough to understand context. A well-written, helpful page that naturally includes relevant terms will always perform better than a page crammed with awkward phrases.

On-Site SEO Basics for Beginners

Beyond the words you use, a few simple technical tweaks can make a massive difference. These are signals to Google that your site is high-quality and gives visitors a good experience.

Focus on these three things to start:

1. Mobile-Friendliness: Your website must look great and work flawlessly on a smartphone. The Solo AI Website Creator builds mobile-responsive sites automatically, so you're already covered here.
2. Page Speed: Nobody waits for a slow-loading website. Users get frustrated and leave, and Google ranks slow sites lower. Keep your images small and your design clean to keep things fast.
3. Clear Calls-to-Action (CTAs): Tell people what you want them to do next! Use obvious, action-oriented buttons like "Book a Consultation," "Shop Now," or "Get a Free Quote."

Getting traffic from SEO is a marathon, not a sprint, but the payoff is one of the best long-term returns you can get. It's how you build a sustainable flow of customers without constantly paying for ads. While some businesses pay $70-$78 to acquire a single customer, a solid SEO foundation brings in high-intent customers for free.

Finding Customers with Low-Cost Marketing Channels

Your website is live, and you’ve laid the groundwork for local search. Now it's time to find people who need what you offer without breaking the bank. The good news is some of the most effective marketing tactics rely more on effort and creativity than a big budget.

It's tougher than ever for new businesses. Customer acquisition costs have shot up by as much as 60% in the last five years. The old "spray and pray" approach to advertising is a quick way to burn through cash. You have to be smarter. For a deeper dive into these rising expenses, you can check out some eye-opening customer acquisition benchmarks.

This means shifting your focus to channels where you can build real connections and deliver genuine value. It’s about earning attention, not just buying it.

Choose Your Social Media Battlefield Wisely

Social media can feel overwhelming. The secret is to not be everywhere. Pick one or two platforms where your ideal customers already spend their time and go all in.

Think about it. A local bakery will do great on a visual platform like Instagram, showing off cakes and daily specials. A B2B consultant will find their next client on LinkedIn. Wasting time on a platform that isn’t a natural fit for your audience is a common mistake.

Once you’ve chosen your platform, focus on content that helps, not just sells.

• Actionable Tip: Share genuinely helpful tips. The bakery could post a quick video on "The Secret to Keeping Sourdough Fresh for a Week." The consultant could share a checklist for "3 Project Management Mistakes Costing You Money."
• Show behind the scenes: People are curious. Share photos of your team at work or the steps you take to create your product. It builds authenticity and trust.
• Talk to people: Don't just post and disappear. Respond to every comment and message. Ask questions in your posts to start conversations. Turn your page into a community, not a billboard.

Build Real Relationships with Email Marketing

Email marketing is still one of the most powerful ways to get customers. Why? Because you own your email list. It's a direct line to your audience that isn't controlled by an algorithm that could change at any moment.

First, give people a great reason to sign up. This is your lead magnet, and it needs to be irresistible. Think of it as a trade—their email for something so useful they can't say no.

Pro Tip: Your lead magnet should deliver a quick win. It needs to solve a specific problem for your ideal customer. A simple PDF checklist, a discount code for a first purchase, or a short, problem-solving video are all great options and easy to create.

Once you have subscribers, nurture that relationship with regular, valuable emails. Don't just send sales pitches. Share stories, offer exclusive insights, and let your personality shine. When you consistently show up with value, they’ll be ready to buy when the time is right.

Harness the Power of Partnerships and Referrals

One of the fastest ways to build credibility is to borrow it. Look for other local businesses that serve the same type of customer but aren't your competitors. For instance, a wedding photographer could team up with a local florist, a DJ, or a popular venue.

These partnerships can take a few forms:

• Cross-promotion: You promote their business to your audience, and they do the same for you.
• Joint ventures: You could co-host a workshop or create a bundled service package.
• Guest content: Offer to write a helpful blog post for their website. It positions you as an expert and gets you in front of a new audience.

Finally, never underestimate the power of a happy customer. They are your best salespeople. Set up a simple referral program to encourage them to spread the word. This doesn't need to be complicated.

Actionable Tip: Offer a 10% discount on their next purchase for every new customer they refer. Just make it easy for them, and you’ll have created a powerful, low-cost engine for growth.

To help you decide where to focus your initial marketing energy, here’s a quick breakdown of some of the best low-cost channels.

Low-Cost Marketing Channel Comparison

Channel	Primary Goal	Effort Level	Best For
Social Media	Brand Awareness & Community Building	Medium	Visual products/services, businesses with strong personality, community-focused brands.
Email Marketing	Nurturing Leads & Driving Sales	Medium	Businesses with a longer sales cycle, e-commerce, service providers wanting to build authority.
Local SEO	Attracting Local Foot Traffic & Calls	High (initially)	Brick-and-mortar stores, restaurants, local service providers (plumbers, trainers, etc.).
Partnerships	Building Credibility & Reaching New Audiences	Medium	Businesses with complementary services, B2B companies, community-oriented brands.
Referral Programs	Driving High-Quality Leads	Low	Businesses with existing happy customers, service-based businesses, subscription models.
Content/Blogging	Building Authority & Attracting Organic Traffic	High	Knowledge-based businesses, consultants, anyone who can answer customer questions in depth.

Ultimately, the best channels are the ones that feel authentic to you and connect you with the right people. Don't feel pressured to do everything at once. Pick one or two from this list, master them, and then expand as you grow.

Using Smart Paid Ads to Accelerate Your Growth

While strategies like SEO and social media are the foundation for long-term growth, sometimes you just need to step on the gas.

Think of paid advertising as fuel on the fire. When done right, it’s the fastest way to get your business directly in front of the exact people who are most likely to buy from you.

Spending money on ads can be scary when you're just starting out. But this isn't about outspending your competition; it's about outsmarting them. With powerful platforms like Meta (for Facebook and Instagram) and Google, you can begin with a small, controlled budget. This lets you test what works, gather data, and aim for a positive return on every dollar you invest.

Start with a Clear Objective

Before you write ad copy or choose an image, you have to answer one critical question: What do you want people to do?

Running ads without a specific, measurable goal is the quickest way to waste your budget. Every campaign needs a single objective you can track. Forget vague goals like "brand awareness." We're talking about concrete actions.

• Actionable Tip for a service business: Your goal might be getting more people to fill out the contact form on your Solo AI Website Creator site for a free quote.
• For an e-commerce store: The goal is simple—drive direct sales for a specific product.
• For a consultant: You might want people to book a 15-minute discovery call through a scheduling link on your website.

Having this focus from the start will guide every other decision you make, from the words you write to the audience you target.

Target Your Audience with Precision

Here's where the magic happens. The targeting capabilities of platforms like Meta and Google Ads let you move beyond broad demographics. You can zero in on the exact people who fit your ideal customer profile. This precision is how you make a small budget perform like a big one.

Let’s say you're a personal trainer who specializes in helping new moms get back in shape. Instead of just targeting all women aged 25-45, you can get incredibly specific.

• On Meta: You could target women who have shown interest in pages related to pregnancy, newborns, and fitness. You can even target by recent life events, like "new parents."
• On Google: Here you can capture intent. You can bid on search terms like "postpartum workout plan" or "personal trainer for new moms near me." This is powerful because you're reaching people at the exact moment they are looking for the solution you provide.

This level of detail ensures your ad dollars are spent showing your message only to people who are genuinely potential customers.

Design Simple Ads That Convert

You don't need a huge production budget to make ads that work. For a new business, authenticity and clarity always beat slick production value.

Your ad has to do three things, and do them fast: grab attention, present a clear offer, and tell the user exactly what to do next.

For your first campaign, focus on these core elements:

1. An Eye-Catching Visual: Use a high-quality photo or a short, simple video that clearly shows your product or the result of your service. For our personal trainer, a short clip of a client smiling while doing an exercise is more powerful than a generic stock photo.
2. Benefit-Driven Copy: Don't just list features; talk about the benefits. Your headline should speak directly to your customer's pain point. Instead of "12-Week Fitness Program," try something like, "Feel Strong and Confident Again in Just 12 Weeks."
3. A Compelling Call-to-Action (CTA): Be direct. Use an action-oriented button like "Book Your Free Consultation," "Shop Now & Get 10% Off," or "Download the Guide." Leave no doubt about the next step you want them to take.

Key Insight: Your first ad campaigns are as much about collecting data as they are about making sales. Pay close attention to what's working. Which headline got more clicks? Which audience converted at a higher rate? This early data is gold and will show you exactly how to scale your ad spend for maximum profit.

Turning Website Visitors into Paying Customers

Getting traffic to your site is a huge win, but it’s only half the battle. A steady stream of visitors doesn't automatically mean a steady stream of revenue. The real work starts when you turn that attention into actual sales. This is where you shift from getting browsers to winning loyal customers.

The good news? You don’t need a complicated sales funnel. A simple lead capture form on your Solo AI Website Creator site is the perfect place to start. When you pair it with a compelling offer, it becomes a powerful machine for turning passive visitors into interested leads.

Capture Leads With an Irresistible Offer

People are protective of their email addresses. To convince them to hand one over, you must offer something of real value in return. This is called a "lead magnet," and its only job is to solve a small, specific problem for your ideal customer.

A great lead magnet doesn't have to be complicated. Simpler is almost always better.

• Actionable Tip for service businesses: Offer a free 15-minute consultation, a downloadable PDF checklist, or a case study that shows exactly how you helped a past client.
• Running an e-commerce store? A 10% discount on their first purchase is a classic for a reason—it works. You could also offer a free shipping code or early access to a new product.
• Consultant or coach? A short video tutorial or a free chapter from your ebook can instantly establish your expertise and build trust.

Your Solo AI Website Creator site makes adding a simple contact form a breeze. Just make sure you place it somewhere obvious—like your homepage and service pages—and clearly spell out what visitors will get by signing up. If you want to dig deeper, our guide on how to improve website conversion rates is packed with tips to help turn more of those clicks into customers.

Nurture Leads With an Automated Follow-Up Sequence

This is where most new businesses drop the ball. A new lead is at their peak level of interest the moment they sign up. If you let days or weeks go by before following up, that spark will fade. An automated email sequence is your secret weapon.

This isn’t about spamming people. It's about building a relationship and guiding them toward a purchase in a way that feels helpful, not pushy. Your goal is to build trust, show your value, and stay on their radar.

Key Takeaway: Automation ensures every lead gets a consistent, high-quality experience. It works for you 24/7, making sure no potential sale slips through the cracks because you got busy.

Your sequence only needs a few key emails to be incredibly effective.

Crafting Your Follow-Up Messages

Kick things off with a simple three-email sequence that triggers the moment someone signs up. Keep the tone conversational and personal.

Email 1: The Welcome and Delivery (Send Immediately)
This first email has one job: deliver what you promised. Make the subject line simple (e.g., "Here's Your Free Checklist!"). In the body, thank them for signing up and give them the download link or discount code. Keep it short and friendly.

Email 2: The Problem and Solution (Send 2 Days Later)
Now you can gently introduce your main offer. Circle back to the problem they’re trying to solve and briefly explain how your product or service is the ultimate solution. Include a customer testimonial or a mini-case study to add credibility.

Email 3: The Gentle Nudge (Send 4 Days Later)
This is your final, low-pressure call to action. You could offer a special, limited-time bonus for booking a consultation or making a purchase. A great way to end is by asking a question to encourage a reply, like, "What's the biggest challenge you're facing with [their problem] right now?" This can open the door for a real conversation.

Turning visitors into customers is all about building trust, step by step. By capturing leads with a valuable offer and nurturing them with a thoughtful email sequence, you create a reliable system for growth. For a more comprehensive look at maximizing your sales, check out these actionable conversion rate optimization tips.

Common Questions About Finding New Customers

Getting a new business off the ground means you're going to have questions. When it comes to finding those first crucial customers, the uncertainty can be overwhelming. Let's tackle some of the most common hurdles new business owners face so you can move forward with a clear plan.

How Much Should a New Business Spend on Marketing?

There's no single magic number, but a solid rule of thumb is to set aside 5-10% of your projected revenue for marketing. In the very beginning, though, your most valuable resource isn't your wallet—it's your time.

Pour your energy into what are called "sweat equity" channels. This means focusing on your local SEO and connecting with people in your community. These strategies cost next to nothing but build a powerful foundation for the long run.

Once you have some cash flow, you can start testing paid ads. Start small with a test budget, maybe $100 to $300, to see which messages and audiences respond. The key is to track where every dollar goes and what it brings back. If it's not driving growth, adjust your strategy.

What Is the Fastest Way to Get My First 10 Customers?

The quickest path to your first handful of customers is usually through your existing network. This is not the time to be shy.

• Actionable Tip: Make a simple list of friends, family, and old colleagues. Send them a personal note about what you've launched and be crystal clear about what problem you solve.
• Ask for an Introduction: Specifically ask, "Do you know anyone who might need this?" A warm introduction from a trusted source is incredibly valuable.
• Go Hyper-Local: Jump into local Facebook groups or community forums. Offer helpful advice and participate in conversations. Be a resource first and a salesperson second.
• Create an Easy "Yes": Craft a special introductory offer just for your first wave of clients. A small discount or an extra bonus can be the nudge someone needs to take a chance on a new business.

This combination of personal outreach and a professional website to back it up is the most effective way to get those critical early wins.

Should I Focus on Social Media or SEO First?

The real answer is you should work on both, but with different expectations. Think of it as a sprint and a marathon happening at the same time.

Your SEO work is the marathon. It's the foundational work you need to start right now because it takes time to pay off. This means optimizing your website content and, critically, claiming and completely filling out your Google Business Profile. The work you do today on SEO will bring you a steady stream of free, high-intent customers months from now.

While that marathon is underway, social media is your sprint. It's where you can get more immediate engagement. But don't spread yourself thin. Pick one platform where your ideal customers hang out and go all-in on building a community there. Use it to start conversations and drive your first visitors to the site you built with the Solo AI Website Creator.

A balanced approach is crucial. Relying only on social media leaves you vulnerable to algorithm changes, while waiting for SEO to kick in can feel slow. Doing both ensures you're building for the future while getting results today.

How Do I Know If My Marketing Is Working?

You can't improve what you don't measure. First, get clear on what "working" means for you. Is it getting more traffic to your site? More people filling out your contact form? Or is it sales?

Once you know your goal, you can use a few simple (and free) tools to see what's happening:

1. Google Analytics: This is the standard for understanding your website traffic. It tells you exactly how people found you—whether from a Google search, a link from Facebook, or a referral.
2. Built-in Platform Analytics: Your Solo AI Website Creator site can track form submissions, and every social media and ad platform has its own dashboard showing you clicks, engagement, and costs.
3. The Old-Fashioned Question: This might be the most powerful tool of all. Make it a habit to ask every new customer, "How did you hear about us?" Their answers will give you real-world proof of which channels are actually delivering.

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Ready to build a professional online presence that attracts customers and drives growth? With the Solo AI Website Creator, you can launch a stunning, SEO-optimized website in minutes, complete with everything you need to succeed. Get started for free today at https://soloist.ai.